Project Implementation Business Case (ImBC)

When an Implementation Business Case is needed

The Implementation Business Case recommends a preferred supplier and seeks approval from decision-makers to enter into commercial contracts for the provision of the selected option. 

Depending on the conditions imposed on approval of the Detailed or Single Stage Business Case, it may not be necessary for the Implementation Business Case to go to Cabinet; it may go to Joint Ministers, or a Cabinet Paper may be sufficient.

• In any case, the Implementation Business Case forms the basis of the Project Management Plan or similar management/control document for the delivery phase of the project.

Purpose of the Implementation Business Case

Once the RFP process is complete, the proposal is updated in an Implementation Business Case, ImBC. This focuses on how the agency proposes to procure or contract the asset(s) needed.  The Implementation Business Case only needs to:

• confirm or update the information for each of the 5 cases
• identify the main changes from the earlier Detailed or Single Stage Business Case
• document any requirements and commitments identified in the Cabinet Minute approving this earlier business case.

In doing this the Implementation Business Case

• revisits and confirms that the project is still required and still aligns with government and organisation strategies and priorities
• identifies the supplier offer that optimises value for money and confirms that the economic case still stacks up in terms of costs and benefits
• sets out the negotiated commercial and contractual arrangements for any procurement
• confirms that the proposed arrangements are affordable and confirms the funding arrangements
• describes the detailed management arrangements for the successful delivery of the project or programme. This forms the basis of the Project Management Plan or similar management/control document.

Guidance

Assurance

All significant projects, of all types, are required to have and follow Assurance Plans appropriate to their scale and risk.

ICT-enabled state sector projects and programmes assessed as High Risk are required to prepare costed assurance plans.  Contact [email protected]

Programmes and projects assessed as High Risk must include Gateway Reviews in their Assurance plans. They are normally required to have a review(Gate 3: Investment Decision) as the Implementation Business Case nears completion.  There is a 6-8 week lead time for contracts and logistics, so get in touch early: [email protected] 

Next steps

Once approved, the Implementation Business Case forms the basis of the Project Management Plan or similar management/control document for the delivery phase of the project.

Useful links

• Benefits guidance 
• Change management guidance
• NZ Government procurement rules
• Digital Public Service branch (DPSb) ICT standards
• Gateway Reviews - Lessons Learned

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